On Mon, 2007-04-16 at 12:16 +0100, J.R. Seago wrote:
Thanks for the information from all who replied.
I'm in two minds as to what to do, on the one hand I'm moving shortly, due to go on the first of June, so I could just hang on, and hope they last until then. Or try getting a connection for six weeks before I move, this latter doesn't seem to be a very likely solution as I can't think of anyone who wants to take new customers on a six week broadband contract.
To be honest I think the most likely scenario even if Pipex are on the verge of going pop, is that other ISP's are simply waiting to the 11th hour to put a takeover deal on the table.
Given how long Pipex have been in the game, the brand recognition and the number of customers there must be plenty of the big players that are not going to sit by and watch all of pipex's customer base be dispersed when for what could be a very nominal buyout (at the 11th hour) they could have the whole lot.
That is of course unless Pipex has more operating debt than the potential worth of their customer base (and not all operating debts are transferred in all buyout scenarios)
Even if they fall into administration or liquidation then those responsible for liquidating the assets will probably recognise than the client base at an ISP only has value until you flick the big "off" button and will probably try and continue service until they can figure out what to do with this particular "asset".
So I'd go out on a limb here and say you were safe for six weeks (and yes this already does smack of "famous last words")